System and method for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.

CROSS REFERENCES RELATED TO APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/305,453 filed on Jul. 13, 2001 by Brian Kelly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to arcade and redemption games, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a bonus system having multiple remote input devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arcade games have existed for many years. They are most common at amusement parks, arcades, and other entertainment centers. Many of these arcade games require a player to accomplish some task within a game of skill to earn a reward. The task is usually simple in theory but difficult enough to retain a player's interest through several attempts at playing the game.

With the development of computers and computer processing, entertainment centers have added video games and other forms of computer-based entertainment to their inventories. Despite this evolving trend, many arcades and entertainment centers have continued to offer arcade games for their game-playing customers. However, the video games have attracted many players away from playing traditional arcade games. Thus, continued profitability of arcade games requires that they possess characteristics that draw modern game players' interest and business.

The prior art discloses a system where multiple arcade games are networked together. As shown in FIG. 1, a system 10 for networking multiple arcade games includes a first player 11 playing a first arcade game 12, a second player 13 playing a second arcade game 14, and a networking apparatus 15 coupling the two games together. When the first player 11 and second player 13 are playing simultaneously, they are able to play against each other to accomplish a task or earn a reward. The networked system of the prior art usually allows players to compete against each other to accomplish a certain task within a game.

Another system disclosed in the prior art is a networked bonus system. As shown in FIG. 2, the bonus system 20 of the prior art discloses a first networked arcade game 21 with a first player 22, a second networked arcade game 23 with a second player 24, a network 25 for coupling the games to each other, and a bonus machine 26. The bonus is usually indicated on a display 27 that is visible to all players playing the networked arcade games. The bonus system 20 allows players to compete against each other as in the networked arcade game system 10 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the bonus system 20 allows players to earn a bonus reward. The value of the bonus is incremented when players accomplish tasks at their respective networked arcade games. If the task to earn the bonus is not completed by a player, the bonus amount remains for the next player to win. The bonus does not reset to zero upon a player beginning or playing a game. Any player playing a networked game may win the bonus at any time.

The prior art has several disadvantages. The networked arcade game system of FIG. 1 adds a competitive feature to the traditional arcade game in that players may play against each other. However, the game provides for only a limited reward and the zeal of competing against other players usually does not last long. With so many other options available in most arcades and entertainment centers, many players will not spend enough of their time or money on such a game. The bonus system in FIG. 2 provides for a large bonus to be awarded to the player who accomplishes a certain task or set of tasks. However, the bonus is generally incremented for tasks accomplished in each game. Thus, a large number of plays at the arcade games are required in order to accumulate a large bonus. This is undesirable because players may lose interest in playing the same game the number of times required to accumulate a large bonus. Further, bonus systems that entice players to play the arcade game enough times to accumulate a large bonus often draw those players away from other games in arcades and entertainment centers they reside in. Thus, in order to accumulate a large bonus on an arcade game, players must spend more time playing arcade games and less time playing other games. This corresponds to a decrease in business and profitability for the other games.

What is needed is an arcade game system that attracts players to play the arcade games, especially in environments having both arcade games and video game, while still encouraging players to play the other games.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a system and method for providing a bonus system with multiple remote inputs. The invention allows users to increment a bonus by playing a bonus machine, by engaging remote devices in communication with the bonus machine, or by other methods. A player may win rewards, including the entire bonus, by playing the bonus machine. A preferred embodiment of the present invention take the form of an arcade game linked to various other devices around the arcade though a bonus system. These devices may be other games, vending machines or other features. Each time these peripheral devices are used, the reward increment for the arcade game increases. Thereby the value of the reward is not determined by the use of the arcade game alone.

A bonus system with multiple remote inputs in accordance with the present invention includes a bonus machine and at least one remote device that may transmit information. The bonus machine includes a game of skill, a processor, and a bonus. The game of skill allows a player to achieve a task and earn a reward. The processor has memory, is coupled to the game of skill, and is configured to receive information. The bonus is coupled to the processor and changes value upon the occurrence of certain events. The remote device may transmit information to the bonus machine's processor.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bonus is affected by an event occurring at the bonus machine. Preferably, the event occurs at a game of skill located at the bonus machine. Upon receiving information indicating the occurrence of a particular event, such as a credit applied to the device, the bonus is incremented. Upon receiving information indicating the occurrence of another event, such as the achievement of a task in the game of skill, all or part of the bonus is awarded to the player achieving the task.

In another embodiment, the bonus is affected by an event occurring at a remote device. Preferably, an event is detected at a remote device, the remote device transmits information to the bonus machine, and the bonus is increased upon the bonus machine receiving the information. The event may be any type of event including when motion is detected or applying a credit to a device. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted as a serial data stream and may include channel identification information or device identification information. The device may be any device operable to have a countable event including a video game, vending machine, redemption game, motion detector, and timer. The information may be transmitted by any method, including discrete wires, RF transmission, a network, or an X10 standard system.

A method for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs includes providing a bonus machine coupled to a game of skill, a processor, and a bonus, providing a remote device in communication with the bonus machine, communicating information to the processor in response to an event, and processing the information A player may achieve a task in the game of skill and earn all or a portion of the bonus. Both the game of skill and the remote device are operable to provide information to the bonus machine.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the event occurs at the bonus machine. The event may indicate the bonus is to be increased or decreased by awarding a portion or all of it to a player. In a preferred embodiment, the bonus is decreased if the event is a completed task in a game of skill. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the event occurs at a remote device. The remote device then transmits information to the bonus machine and the bonus. In one embodiment, the bonus is incremented upon processing the transmitted information. The event may be the detection of motion, applying a credit to a device, the lapse of a period of time, or any other countable event. In one embodiment, communicating the information includes sending a serial data message. The serial data message may contain channel identification information and device identification information. Processing the message may include verifying the message. The device may be any device capable of having a countable event including a video game, redemption game, vending machine, motion detector, or timer. The message may be transferred by any means operable to transmit serial messages including RF transmission, discrete wires, an X10 standard system, or a network.

The bonus machine is incremented from events occurring at several different devices. This provides for a higher bonus, which is more likely to entice players to play the game at the bonus machine. The bonus machine encourages business at other games, machines, and devices by providing patrons a second chance to win credits that were spent at other machines. For example, if a user spends a token at a remote video game coupled to the bonus machine, the user may win the credit back if the user accomplishes a task at the bonus machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a networked arcade game system of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a networked bonus system of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a bonus system with multiple remote devices of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the bonus machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bonus system having a remote device and a bonus machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a remote device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is one embodiment of a flow diagram showing the operation of a remote device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is one embodiment of a flow diagram showing the operation of a bonus machine game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing the operation of a bonus machine processor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is one embodiment of a one embodiment of flow diagram of the “MESSAGE RECEIVED” operation of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is one embodiment of a flow diagram of the “PROCESS MESSAGE” operation of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is one embodiment of a flow diagram of the “EXECUTE TIME-BASED OPERATIONS” operation of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 were described in terms of the prior art. In FIG. 3, a bonus system 30 depicts a bonus machine with multiple inputs in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, a bonus system 30 of the present invention includes a bonus machine 31 and several remote devices 32-35. Each remote device is in communication with the bonus machine 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bonus system 30 also includes an additional bonus machine 36. The additional bonus machine 36 may only be in communication with the first bonus machine 31 as shown, or with the remote devices 32-35, or in communication with both the bonus machine 31 and the remote devices 32-35.

The remote devices 32-35 may be any type of machine or apparatus that is operable to provide a detectable event. Each device may have its own use and purpose independent of the bonus machine it is connected to. In one embodiment of the present invention, the devices may be machines that are commonly found in entertainment centers and arcades. In particular, the devices may be video games 32, redemption games 33, or vending machines 34. In a video game or redemption game, the detectable event may be a user achieving a task in the game. For a vending machine, the event may be a user purchasing a designated product. In a preferred embodiment, the detectable event for devices such as video games, redemption games, and vending machines is detecting a credit applied to the device. In a more preferred embodiment the credit applied to the device is a token inserted into an opening of the device.

In another embodiment of the invention, a counter 35 may be used as a remote device in communication with the bonus machine. Similar to remote devices 32-34, the counter 35 may be any device operable to provide a detectable event that occurs at the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the counter 35 is a device such as a revolving door, admittance ticket counter, or other device for counting the number of patrons that enter a designated area. In another embodiment, the counter may monitor motion in some area, such as a designated area near a new or featured product. In yet another embodiment, the counter may be a timer that creates an event on a temporal basis. In this mode, the counter device may be a remote device as discussed above or implemented within the bonus machine. For example, the timer may create an event every minute. The time period required for an event to occur may be set by a user arbitrarily or according to some formula. For example, the counter may be set to produce an event corresponding to the average number of tokens spent per hour at an arcade, entertainment center, or other business the previous week. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are innumerable possibilities for utilizing a machine, counter, or other device to create a detectable event. All such possibilities are considered within the scope of the present invention.

The remote devices 32-35 may communicate with the bonus machine 31 in a variety of methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote device sends a serial data stream to the bonus machine. The serial communication may be sent over discrete wires, a system using an X10 standard, a network, or an RF transmitter-receiver system. A communication system using discrete wires may utilize telephone lines or any other type of wire such that each remote device may transmit a signal to the bonus machine. A system using an X10 standard sends a serial signal over the power line wiring within a structure. Thus, the remote devices plugged into a power outlet could transmit to a bonus machine plugged into a power outlet though the power wiring within a building. An X10 communication system is useful in that no additional wiring is required. However, poor power line wiring at some locations would provide for poor quality signals. In a preferred embodiment, the communication from a remote device to the bonus machine is a serial data stream transmitted through RF transmission.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a bonus machine 31 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the bonus machine 31 includes a display 41, at least one game of skill 42, a credit apparatus 43, and a reward dispenser 44 that disperses a reward 45. The bonus machine also includes a computer having a processor and memory and operable to receive messages (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, a display 41 may be viewed from several angles. This may be achieved from a rotating display or multiple displays fixed to be viewed from different angles. The credit apparatus 43 may be any device for initiating or continuing a turn at the game of skill. The credit apparatus 43 may take the form of a coin slot, a magnetic-card slot, a push button, or any other device that allows a player to initiate or continue a game. Alternatively, the crediting apparatus 43 may be included within the game of skill 42, such as a game of skill that requires a player to roll a coin down a shoot and into a moving aperture. In such an embodiment of the invention, the coin insert portion of the game of skill is the crediting apparatus. The reward dispenser may be located in several locations on the bonus machine. In another embodiment, the reward dispenser is an indicator of an award earned and the actual reward dispenser is located at a remote location away from the bonus machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bonus machine system 50 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the bonus machine system 50 includes a remote device 51 and a bonus machine 52. The remote device 51 may include a counter device 53 operable to create a countable event, event detection circuitry 54, a processor 55, and a transmitter 56. The bonus machine 52 may include a receiver 57, a game play processor 58, game features 59, and a reward dispenser 60. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bonus machine 52 may have several inputs 61-62 in addition to the remote device 51. The bonus machine inputs 61-62 may be from multiple games of skill on the bonus machine 52, multiple inputs from a single game of skill, or another bonus machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of a remote device. As shown in FIG. 6, remote device 65 includes a counter device 66, event detection circuitry 67, processor circuitry 68, and a transmitter 69. In the embodiment shown, the counter device is a coin switch system 70. Additional circuitry within the counter device is not shown for simplicity reasons. The event detection circuitry 67 includes a first resistor 76, a first diode 77, a second diode 84, a second resistor 85, and a detection mechanism 88. One end 74 of resistor 76 is connected to the DC positive voltage terminal 72 of the counter device within the remote device. Diode 77 is connected to resistor 76. Terminal 75 of the event detection circuitry is connected to coin switch terminal 73 of the counter device.

Terminals 82 and 83 of the event detection circuitry may be connected to diode 77 and terminal 80 through connection system 81. Within the event detection circuitry, terminal 82 is connected to reverse protection diode 84, which in turn is connected to resistor 85. Resistor 85 and terminal 83 are then connected to terminals 87 and 86, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, the connection is achieved by placing jumpers 89 between the resistor 85 and terminal 87 and between terminal 83 and terminal 86. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved with an opto-isolation system 88 as shown. This is desirable in order to provide electro-static discharge protection. The event detection circuitry is connected to the processor circuitry where terminal 87 is connected to buffer 90. Terminal 86 is connected to ground. Within the processor circuitry, buffer 90 is connected to a control logic system 91. Also connected to the control logic 91 is ID address circuitry 92. Finally, the control logic outputs a serial signal to the transmitter 93. In the embodiment shown, transmitter 69 is an RF transmitter 93. Obviously, FIG. 6 shows only one embodiment of the many ways in which a remote device may be used according to the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 7-12 describe the operation of the bonus machine system. The flow diagram of FIG. 7 illustrates the operation 100 of a remote device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The process starts with operation 101. An operation 102 determines if an event is detected. As discussed above, the event may be any number of detectable events. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the event is the insertion of a coin into the remote device. Thus, when a coin or token is inserted into the remote device, the remote device circuitry closes switch 71, thus creating the ‘event’. Operation 102 is carried out by event detection circuitry. FIG. 6 illustrates event detection circuitry 67 in one embodiment of the invention. A first portion of the event detection circuitry may be placed near the circuitry of the remote device involved with creating the event. In this embodiment, a second portion of the event detection circuitry and the processor circuitry may be separately located from a first portion of the event detection circuitry. Thus, a connection 81 is used to connect the first portion of the event detection circuitry to the second portion of the event detection circuitry. In one embodiment, the connection 81 is telephone wire. However, the connection 81 may be implemented in several ways to establish communication between the separate event detection circuitry and processor circuitry as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, though the event detection circuitry and processor circuitry may be implemented on more than one circuit board, both boards may be housed inside the remote device, such as a video game cabinet.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the detecting of the ‘event’ signal includes sending the event signal through reverse protection circuitry, such as diode 84, and into a buffer 90. In one embodiment, the signal is transmitted through jumpers 89. In a preferred embodiment, the signal is transmitted through an opto-isolation system, such as opto-isolator 88. The opto-isolator provides for the transfer of the event detection signal while isolating the processing circuitry from the counter device circuitry. If no event is detected, the process returns to step 102. If an event is detected, the event is processed in operation 103. The signal is received by buffer 90, which then sends the signal to the control logic and processor 91. The control logic and processor then create an output signal to be transmitted through transmitter 93.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal produced by the processor and control logic 91 is a serial data stream. The serial data stream is composed of several messages having several bytes. These bytes may include a channel identification byte, a byte code, a message identification byte, and a checksum byte. The channel identification code indicates what channel the remote device is transmitting a signal on. In one embodiment of the present invention, the channel identification byte is set by the ID address circuitry 92. The ID address circuitry 92 sends channel identification information to the control logic and processor 91 when enabled by a signal from the buffer 90. The processor and control logic 91 incorporate the ID address information provided by the ID address circuitry 92 into the serial data stream sent to transmitter 93. In a preferred embodiment, a user is able to select the channel ID by adjusting a DIP switch or similar device within the ID address circuitry 92.

The byte code portion of the message may contain data such as event information or machine identification. In a preferred embodiment, the byte code contains information indicating the bonus machine should be incremented. However, the byte code may also indicate identification information for the machine the event occurred at for event tracking purposes. The message identification byte is for ensuring a message is properly received by a bonus machine. In one embodiment, the message within the serial stream is sent from a remote device to a bonus machine several times to ensure the message is properly received. To avoid processing the same message more than once, the message identification byte provides identification information for the message sent. In one embodiment, a message is sent four times and the message identification byte indicates which of the four transmittals that particular message is. In another embodiment, the message identification byte is a random number identifying the message. In any case, if a message is processed before the last transmission of that message, the message identification byte enables the bonus machine to ignore subsequent transmissions of that message. Finally, a checksum byte is included for error detection. The checksum byte is usually placed at the end of a serial stream and indicates the addition of a previous number of bytes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the checksum indicates the sum of the previous three bytes.

After the event is processed in operation 103 of FIG. 7, the serial data stream is transmitted by the remote device in an operation 104. As discussed above, the transmission may be made by any means that provides for a serial data stream to be transmitted from a remote device. These methods include discrete wires, an X10 standard system, a network, or an RF transmitter. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the transmitter is an RF frequency transmitter. In this embodiment, a transmitter is placed at each remote device and a receiver is placed at each bonus machine. The control logic and processor 91 send a serial stream to the transmitter 69. The transmitter 69 then transmits the serial signal as an RF transmission. In one embodiment, the transmitter sends the serial stream at 418 MHz. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the signal may be sent at different frequencies, or by using 418 MHz as a carrier frequency. The transmitter may be any generic RF transmitter. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is a Lynx type RF transmitter.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the operation of a bonus machine game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The process 110 begins with a start operation 111. This may include power-up and initialization tasks that the bonus machine performs before play. In one embodiment of the present invention, this operation includes starting illuminated displays, motors, and moving parts that are part of the game of skill. Next, in an operation 112, the bonus machine determines whether an event has been detected. In one embodiment, the event may be achieving a task in a game of skill. In another embodiment, the event may be submitting a credit to the bonus machine. In a preferred embodiment, the task may require a user to place a playing piece into an aperture so that the playing piece performs a particular function. The function may require the playing piece to eventually proceed through another aperture or to make contact with a surface within the bonus machine. Thus, the event may be detecting when a playing piece enters the second aperture or makes contact with the surface. If no event is detected, the process returns to operation 112.

If an event is detected, the process proceeds to operation 113 where the event is processed. The games of skill on the bonus machine are operable to transmit a signal upon the occurrence of the event. In one embodiment, the games of skill send signals to an event processor that then sends a signal to a game play processor within the bonus machine. In this embodiment, upon receiving a message from a game of skill indicating an event has occurred, the event processor then determines whether the event calls for the bonus to be incremented, reduced, or some other function should occur. For example, the game of skill may require five tasks to be completed by a player. For each attempt at a task, the event processor may send an “increment bonus” signal to the game play processor. For each task completed, the event processor may send a “reward player” signal indicating that a portion of the bonus should be rewarded to a player. The size of the reward may depend on the difficulty of the task or the number of tasks completed thus far. If all five tasks are completed, the event processor may send a message indicating the entire bonus should be rewarded to the player who accomplished the tasks. In yet another embodiment, the games of skill send signals directly to the game play processor. In this embodiment, the message need not be processed before it is sent. This may be achieved by including event identification information within the event detection message indicating what event occurred or which task was completed. Alternatively, each event in a game of skill may have a separate input line to the game play processor within the bonus machine. Thus, if a bonus machine has four stations or games of skill, each having five tasks to complete, then the game play processor would receive a total of twenty separate inputs from the games of skill. This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 with inputs 61-62, where N is 20. In a preferred embodiment, the event processor sends a 100 ms pulse if the bonus should be incremented and a 250 ms pulse if the bonus should be decreased.

With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the bonus machine game play processor 58 will now be discussed. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation 120 of the game play processor. The process starts with operation 121. In an operation 122, the processor performs start-up and initialization functions. These may include initializing the game features, any reward dispensers controlled by the game play processor, loading registers within the game play processor, and other functions. Next, the processor determines if a message is received in operation 123. A message may be received from either a remote device or from a bonus machine input. If no message is received, the process then moves to operation 126 in order to execute time-based operations. If a message is received, the game play processor determines if the message can be verified in operation 124. If the game play processor is unable to verify the message, the message is ignored and the process moves to operation 126 in order to execute time based operations. If the received message can be verified in operation 125, then the message is processed in operation 125. After processing the message, the process continues to operation 126 so any time-based operations that require processing may be executed. After any required time based operations are completed in operation 126, the process returns to operation 123 to determine whether a new message has been received.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the “message verification” operation 124 of FIG. 9 in more detail. The process starts with operation 130. Next, in operation 131 the game play processor determines whether or not the channel identification information in the message indicates the message should be received by that bonus machine. As discussed above, each remote device may indicate what channel a message is transmitted on. Accordingly, the receiver 57 in the bonus machine may be configured to accept messages from particular channels. Thus, if the game play processor determines the channel identification information in the transmitted message does not match a channel that the bonus machine is operable to receive messages from, the process continues to operation 132 where the message is considered not verified. If the channel identification information matches, the process proceeds to operation 133 to determine whether the message is a new or repeat message. As discussed above, a remote device may send a message more than once to ensure the message is properly received by the bonus machine. In one embodiment, message identification information within each message indicates whether the message is a repeat transmission or a new transmission. If the message is a repeat transmission and a previous transmission of that message has already been successfully received by the game play processor, then the process continues to operation 132 and the message is considered not verified. If the message is not a repeat message that has been successfully received by the game play processor previously, then the message verification process continues to operation 134 where a check sum is performed. A check sum process is a common error detection process as those skilled in the art will appreciate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the check sum operation 134 will determine whether a check sum byte within the message indicates the sum of the previous three bytes containing channel ID, message ID, and byte code information. If this is determined in the affirmative, then the message is verified and the message verification process is complete. If the check sum byte does not indicate the sum of the previous three bytes, then the process continues to operation 132 and the message is considered not verified. Upon the determination that the message is properly verified in operation 135 or not verified on operation 132, the message verification process 130 is complete for that particular message.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the “process message” operation 125 of FIG. 9 in more detail, in one embodiment of the present invention. The process starts with operation 140. Next, in operation 141 the game play processor processes a received message. In one embodiment, processing the received message includes loading the message into a register, retrieving a byte code portion of the message, and processing the byte code portion of the message. Next, in operation 142 the game play processor determines whether the bonus machine should be incremented. A message indicating the bonus machine should be incremented may originate from a remote device or a bonus machine. In one embodiment, a pulse of 100 ms indicates the bonus should be incremented. If the message indicates that the bonus machine should be incremented, the process continues to operation 143. In step 143, the bonus machine is incremented. Next, in operation 144, various operations are performed that accompany the bonus incrementing such as adjusting LED displays and other related operations. Next, in operation 145 any bonus machines connected to the present bonus machine are synchronized to display the same bonus as the present bonus machine. The process then continues to operation 146. If in operation 142 the game play processor determines the bonus machine should not be incremented, the process continues to operation 146.

In operation 146, the game play processor determines if the bonus amount should be reduced. In one embodiment of the present invention, the game play processor is reduced if a player completes a task or several tasks in a game of skill located at the bonus machine. In such case, a portion of the bonus or the entire bonus may be rewarded to a player for completing a task or group of tasks. In a preferred embodiment, a pulse of 250 ms indicates the bonus should be rewarded to a player at a particular game station. If the message indicates the bonus should be rewarded and decreased, the process continues to operation 147. In operation 147, the bonus is reduced. Next, in operation 148, the game play processor performs various operations associated with reducing the bonus and rewarding the player. In one embodiment of the invention, these operations include configuring the bonus machine electronic display and providing a reward. Then, in operation 149, the game play processor sends a synchronization message to any bonus machines that the rewarding bonus machine is connected to. This ensures that the bonus on all connected bonus machines is synchronized. The process then continues to operation 150. If the message indicates the bonus is not to be decreased in operation 146, then operation proceeds to operation 150.

In operation 150, the message may be processed further by the game play processor. In one embodiment, the processor extracts information from the message indicating what remote device transmitted the message. The processor may log the device at which the event occurred and the date and time the information was received. The processor may also extract other information related to the remote device or the event that occurred. Further, the processing of this information may occur at different stages in the process. Thus, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the machine identification information need not be recorded only after the bonus machine is incremented or decreased. After the message processing is complete in operation 150, the process ends at operation 151.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the “execute time-based operations” step 126 of FIG. 9 in more detail, in one embodiment of the present invention. Time based operations may be processed and executed within operation 126, or at some other stage in the process 120 of FIG. 9. In one embodiment, the time based operations are processed by a secondary processor within the bonus machine. Thus, the secondary processor independently executes the time-based operations. The secondary processor may then signal the game play processor when a time based event occurs or proceed with to execute the appropriate operations itself In another embodiment, the time based operations are executed by the game play processor. It is understood in the art that the process described herein is only one example of how time-based operations may be handled, whereby other such methods are considered within the scope of the present invention. The process starts with operation 160. In operation 161, the game play processor determines if the bonus machine should be incremented. In one embodiment of the present invention discussed above, the bonus machine may be set to increment the bonus on a strictly temporal basis. Thus, as discussed above, the bonus may be incremented every minute, every five minutes, or any other period of time. If it is determined that the bonus is to be incremented, then the process proceeds to operation 162. In operation 162, the bonus machine is incremented. In operation 163, the corresponding tasks and operations related to incrementing the bonus are performed, and any bonus machines connected to the incremented bonus machine are synchronized. Next the process proceeds to operation 164. If it is determined that the bonus need not be incremented, the process proceeds directly to operation 164.

In operation 164, the status of a player playing the bonus machine may be changed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a player must complete several tasks in a game of skill at the bonus machine to earn a portion or all of a bonus. For example, a player may be required to guide several playing pieces into separate apertures, one at a time. A first player may accomplish some of the required tasks, but not all of them. Thus, in order to prevent a second player from reaping a reward that the first player partially earned, the game play processor may is ‘reset’ the status of the game after a period of time has elapsed. This will help ensure that consecutive players achieve all the required tasks themselves and make earning the reward more difficult. Operation 164 determines if the status of the game should be reset. If the game play processor determines the play status should be reset, then the process proceeds to reset the game status in operation 165. In operation 166, the corresponding tasks and operations related to resetting the play status are performed. If the play status should not be reset, then the process proceeds to operation 167. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the time based operations may be executed within the game play processor or by other processors in communication with the game play processor.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims include all such alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1-28. (canceled)
 29. A bonus redemption system for use with an arcade game comprising: an arcade game wherein said arcade game is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein said arcade game is capable of at least one level of victory; a bonus system linked to said arcade game, wherein said bonus system has a variable number of bonus points; a remote device capable of measuring an event, wherein said remote device is linked to said bonus system; wherein upon an occurrence of said event, said remote device influences said bonus points, and wherein obtaining said at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on said bonus points.
 30. The bonus redemption system as in claim 29, wherein said arcade game is further capable of influencing said bonus points without obtaining said at least one prize.
 31. The bonus redemption system as in claim 29, wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to said bonus system.
 32. The bonus redemption system as in claim 31, wherein a plurality of arcade games are linked to said bonus system.
 33. The bonus redemption system as in claim 29, wherein a second bonus system is linked to said bonus system.
 34. An arcade game comprising: at least one station; a mechanical game of skill at each of said at least one station; a bonus system having a bonus number linked to said arcade game; at least one remote device linked to said bonus system; wherein an event occurring at said at least one remote device increases said bonus number; wherein a first victory at said at least one station increases said bonus number; wherein a second victory at said at least one station decreases said bonus number; and wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with said second victory.
 35. A bonus redemption system for use with a game, comprising: a game wherein the game is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein the game is capable of at least one level of victory; a bonus system linked to the game, wherein the bonus system has a variable number of bonus points; a remote device capable of detecting an event, wherein the remote device is linked to the bonus system; wherein upon an occurrence of the event, the remote device influences the bonus points; and wherein obtaining the at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on the bonus points.
 36. The bonus redemption system as in claim 35, wherein the game is further capable of influencing the bonus points without obtaining the at least one prize.
 37. The bonus redemption system as in claim 35, wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to the bonus system.
 38. The bonus redemption system as in claim 37, wherein a plurality of games are linked to the bonus system.
 39. The bonus redemption system as in claim 35, wherein a second bonus system is linked to the bonus system.
 40. The bonus redemption system as in claim 35, wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to the bonus system, and a plurality of games are linked to the bonus system.
 41. The bonus redemption system as in claim 35, wherein obtaining a second level of victory gains at least a second prize based on the bonus points.
 42. A game, comprising: at least one station; a mechanical game of skill at each of the at least one station; a bonus system having a bonus number linked to the game; at least one remote device linked to the bonus system; wherein an event occurring at the at least one remote device causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number; wherein a first victory at the at least one station increases the bonus number; wherein a second victory at the at least one station decreases the bonus number; wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory.
 43. The game of claim 42, further comprising: a plurality of stations, with a mechanical game at each station of the plurality of stations; wherein a first victory at any station of the plurality of stations increases the bonus number; wherein a second victory at any station of the plurality of stations decreases the bonus number; and wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory.
 44. The game of claim 42, further comprising: a plurality of remote devices linked to the bonus system.
 45. The game of claim 44, wherein an event occurring at any of the remote devices of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number.
 46. The game of claim 44, wherein an event occurring at any of the remote devices of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to change the bonus number.
 47. A bonus redemption system for use with a game, comprising: a plurality of games wherein each game of the plurality of games is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein each game is capable of at least one level of victory; a bonus system linked to each game of the plurality of games, wherein the bonus system has a variable number of bonus points and wherein each game is further capable of influencing the bonus points without respect to obtaining a prize; a plurality of remote devices each capable of detecting an event, wherein each of the remote devices is linked to the bonus system; wherein upon an occurrence of the event, a remote device of the plurality of remote devices influences the bonus points; and wherein obtaining the at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on the bonus points.
 48. A game, comprising: a plurality of stations; a mechanical game of skill at each station of the plurality of stations; a bonus system having a bonus number linked to the game; a plurality of remote devices linked to the bonus system; wherein an event occurring at a remote device of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number; wherein a first victory at a station increases the bonus number; wherein a second victory at a station decreases the bonus number; and wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory. 